A Job Description For Trustees

(from Help is at Hand - Practical Hints for Church Officers and Trustees,

issued by the Unitarian General Assembly)

 

A Job Description for Trustees

 

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations, in its guide for implementing policy in

Voluntary Organisations, suggests that:

All trustees should have:

 

• commitment to the Trust.

• willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to trustee service.

• strategic vision.

• good independent judgement.

• ability to think creatively.

• willingness to speak his or her mind.

• understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of

 trusteeship.

• ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

• acceptance of  the principles enunciated by the Nolan Committee of selflessness,

 integrity,  objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership ability.

 

The duties of trustees are:

• to ensure that the Trust complies with its governing document i.e. its trust deed or

 constitution.

• to ensure that the Trust pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.

• to ensure that the Trust applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects

 i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no

 matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities.

• to contribute actively to the Trust in giving it direction, in making overall policy,

 defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance.

• to safeguard the Trust’s reputation and promote its values.

• to ensure effective and efficient administration of the Trust.

• to ensure the financial stability of the Trust.

• to protect and manage the property of the Trust and to ensure the proper investment

 of its funds.

• to monitor the performance of staff employed by the Trust.

 

In a Church or Chapel setting, a person is a Trustee, not only if appointed by a Trust Deed but

also if elected to a committee, council or other governing body. The word “Trust” as used

above applies to the body – Church, Chapel, Congregation etc. for which the trustee is

responsible.